Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.
Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
smallest in number
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "smallest in number" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing quantities or amounts, indicating that one group has fewer items than others. Example: "Among all the teams, our group had the smallest in number of participants."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Science
Formal & Business
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
According to the report, among Jesuits on the East Coast three factions formed around the sale of the 272: One faction, the smallest in number, opposed the sale on moral principle and favored emancipation; another, the largest, favored keeping the slaves as (curiously) a "religious obligation"; and the third, which included the most powerful figures, argued for sale.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
Self-described anarchists are small in number.
News & Media
They are smaller in number but they do exist".
News & Media
less means smaller in quantity, eg less money; fewer means smaller in number, eg fewer coins.
News & Media
The other extremely successful immigrant group, although smaller in number, is, in a nice twist, Jews.
News & Media
(Conservatives, though small in number, would say that anything over 40percentt debt is risky).
News & Media
Midterm electorates tend to be whiter, older and smaller in number than voters at presidential elections.
News & Media
The fans may be small in number, but they are devoted.
News & Media
Two million people, but the elites are small in number and they all no each other.
News & Media
Meaningful, perhaps, but "the victories are small in number, and it takes a lot of time.
News & Media
Enslaved Africans in British North America were relatively isolated and far smaller in number.
Encyclopedias
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "smallest in number", ensure you are comparing distinct, countable groups. For instance, "Among the applicants, those with prior experience were smallest in number."
Common error
Avoid using "smallest in number" with uncountable nouns. Instead of saying "The information available was smallest in number", use "The amount of information available was the smallest."
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "smallest in number" functions as a descriptive element, modifying a noun or noun phrase to indicate that the described entity has the fewest countable units compared to others. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.
Frequent in
News & Media
52%
Science
17%
Encyclopedias
14%
Less common in
Wiki
9%
Formal & Business
8%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "smallest in number" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that a group or category has the fewest countable units compared to others. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, highlighting its use in various contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "least numerous" and "in the minority" exist, it's crucial to ensure accurate application, especially with countable nouns. The phrase is best used to compare distinct groups, maintaining a neutral tone suitable for diverse audiences.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
least numerous
Focuses on the count or quantity being at its minimum compared to others.
fewest in quantity
Emphasizes that the amount is the lowest compared to other amounts.
in the minority
Highlights that the group is smaller than other groups, implying a difference in power or influence.
scarcest in supply
Indicates the limited availability of something compared to other things.
thinnest on the ground
Suggests a sparse presence or distribution, implying rarity or difficulty in finding something.
most reduced in size
Emphasizes the decrease in size compared to other sizes.
minimum in count
Focuses on reaching the lower limit when enumerating items.
least in proportion
Implies a relative comparison, where the ratio is the lowest.
most diminutive in mass
Refers to the object having the smallest size/weight/quantity.
in short supply
Implies the quantity doesn't satisfy the request for some resource.
FAQs
What does "smallest in number" mean?
The phrase "smallest in number" means being the group or quantity that contains the fewest items compared to others.
How can I use "smallest in number" in a sentence?
You can use "smallest in number" to compare groups. For example: "The group opposing the plan was "smallest in number" but vocal."
What is a good alternative to "smallest in number"?
Alternatives to "smallest in number" include "least numerous", "fewest in quantity", or "in the minority" depending on the context.
Is it correct to say "less in number" instead of "smallest in number"?
While "less in number" is understandable, it is not as precise as "smallest in number" or "fewest in number". "Less" is typically used for uncountable nouns, while "fewest" or "smallest" are more appropriate for countable items.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested